author note: thank you guys for all the power stones,
this makes me more motivated and I feel that it's worth all the trouble.
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On the way to Groningen in the northeast of the Netherlands, Woodward asked Tiger, "Tiger, you said that the center-back is about to sign with someone else, what's going on?"
"As far as I know, this young man is about to sign with the Scottish superpower Celtic. We have to beat Celtic to it and snatch him away." Tiger explained.
Woodward frowned, "Will this hurt our club's relationship with Celtic? Is this young man that important? If possible, can't we choose someone else to replace him?"
Tiger shook his head, "He's irreplaceable. He's an important member of my future plans, I brought him in to take over Ferdinand's position in the future."
"Is he that important?"
"Very important."
"Okay, since you say so, I'll try to figure something out," Woodward said with a sly smile. "I have good relations with a Dutch club. I believe that if the price is the same, they will prioritize us."
"That's even better."
"But the player's willingness is the deciding factor, and we still need your great influence, Mr. Kingtag."
Tiger confidently said, "Don't worry about that. It's not like we're competing with clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona for players. I'm confident that we can get him."
And Tiger did indeed deliver on his promise. They arrived at the Groningen club in Groningen City, and Woodward had a close relationship with the club chairman Middel. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, they talked about purchasing the player.
Midell was surprised, "Who do you want to buy?"
"I want to buy Virgil van Dijk," Tiger said.
"You want to buy him?" Midell was taken aback and showed a difficult expression.
Woodward laughed and assured him, "Old friend, don't be difficult. He is not a main player in your team, just a young player, and the price is negotiable."
Midell shook his head, "Ed, it's not that I don't want to sell, but we have already negotiated with Celtic to sell Van Dijk for 4 million. I guess he is now negotiating a contract with Celtic."
Woodward tried to salvage the situation: "Old friend, as long as there is no final signing, everything can be negotiated."
Middleton looked very embarrassed: "Ed, we are all businessmen. How can we change what we have agreed upon? It's not appropriate..."
Woodward was a bit disappointed. He had just wanted to say something when suddenly, Tiger interjected, "We will offer 5 million."
"What?" Middleton was taken aback.
"I said Manchester United offers 5 million to buy Van Dijk."
At this point, Middleton looked at Tiger next to Woodward. Although Woodward had introduced Tiger as the new manager of Manchester United earlier, Middleton respected him on the surface but felt disdainful in his heart. A young and inexperienced coach might be fired anytime. With this mentality, Middleton had been discussing transfer matters with Woodward and did not take Tiger seriously.
But now, Tiger suddenly said this, and Middleton was stunned. He looked at Woodward, who shrugged, "I'm just here to help Mr. Tiger. He has the final say on the transfer."
Now Tiger looked at Middleton with a serious expression, "Mr. Chairman, interrupting an unsigned contract in exchange for a transfer fee of one million and a deeper friendship with the Manchester United coach, this deal should be profitable."
"Damn it, you guys really know how to give me a hard time." Middleton's face showed a painful look, and then he quickly made a call, "Dear Mr. Tom, I have good news for you. Your player should not have signed with Celtic yet... good. You tell him that I have found a big client for him, and he can join the Premier League powerhouse Manchester United immediately, with a much higher salary than Celtic offered. I suggest you bring your player here now, and let's discuss the details of the transfer... You're welcome, this is what I should do. Groningen always puts the interests of its players first."
After hanging up the phone, Middleton put on a fake sincere look, "Tiger, you see, for the sake of our friendship, I have unilaterally terminated the contract with Celtic, and Van Dijk's agent will come soon. We can sign later."
Woodward gave a thumbs up, "Middleton, you have won Manchester United's friendship and Van Dijk's favor, and you have also earned an extra 1 million euros. This is a clever move."
"Hahaha, we are all winners," Middleton laughed loudly, "You got the person you wanted, and I got the money I wanted. What a great thing. I must treat you well tonight, using the extra 1 million you paid me. Hahaha."
An hour later, Van Dijk arrived at the office in Middlesbrough with his agent. After everyone introduced themselves, Tiger looked at the tall figure in front of him. At 1.93 meters, Van Dijk was a sturdy presence and appeared very strong in front of Tiger. Tiger knew that Liverpool had spent €78 million to bring Van Dijk over from Southampton in the future, a tall defender with great defensive abilities, impressive jumping ability, excellent heading skills, and also possessing a long-range passing technique, often becoming the initiator of attacking plays. To be able to acquire the future hotshot of international football's defense for only €5 million at Manchester United was definitely a great value transfer.
Van Dijk listened as Tiger told him that he was the successor to Ferdinand and Woodward had offered him a substantial weekly wage. After comparing various aspects, he found that it was much better than transferring to Celtic. Therefore, Tiger did not need to spend much effort to sign Van Dijk.
The next morning, Tiger and Woodward left the Netherlands. Middlesbrough came to the hotel to send them off. "Dear friends, I hope you have the opportunity to come to the Netherlands again. Next time, I will take you to Amsterdam to have a look. I believe Mr. Tiger, a young and handsome guy like you, will love it there."
Everyone said their goodbyes. Watching the two leave, Middlesbrough put away his smile and became serious.
This young coach called "Tiger" is not simple. The next season in England will be interesting.
On the way out of the Netherlands, Woodward asked Tiger, "Tiger, how did you know that if you added €100,0000, the old man would sell the player to you?"
Tiger shook his head gently. "I didn't know. But if he doesn't agree, I will keep raising the price until he does."
Woodward was helpless.
Van Dijk successfully transferred for €5 million, and Klopp still had €43.2 million in transfer funds to use.
Buy players and continue.